Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/946,043

DISPOSABLE IRRIGATION BASIN FOR EXTREMITY PROCEDURES

Non-Final OA §102§103§112
Filed
Nov 13, 2024
Examiner
STEVENS, ALLAN D
Art Unit
3736
Tech Center
3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Assignee
Mdm Wound Ventures Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
41%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
3y 0m
To Grant
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 41% of resolved cases
41%
Career Allow Rate
257 granted / 621 resolved
-28.6% vs TC avg
Strong +50% interview lift
Without
With
+50.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 0m
Avg Prosecution
61 currently pending
Career history
682
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.3%
-39.7% vs TC avg
§103
40.6%
+0.6% vs TC avg
§102
20.0%
-20.0% vs TC avg
§112
36.1%
-3.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 621 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103 §112
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Drawings The legend is not approved by the Office. Legends should contain as few words as possible and only be present where necessary for understanding of the drawing. See MPEP 608.02 V. (o). The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the extremity resting surface transitioning to a first platform of the series of troughs of claim 1, the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface transitioning to an intermediate platform of the series of troughs of claim 1, the intermediate platform transitioning to a bottom trough of the series of troughs of claim 1, a transition between the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface being a sloped surface of claims 2 and 14, a suction canister configured to be fluidly connected to the hose of claims 8 and 18 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Specification The disclosure is objected to because reference character “330” has been used to designate cross-hatched surface and first bottom outer surface. The disclosure is objected to because reference character “332” has been used to designate cross-hatched surface and second bottom outer surface. The disclosure is objected to because reference character “326” has been used to designate cross-hatched surface and outer surface. The disclosure is objected to because reference character “124” has been used to designate suction port and suction portal. The disclosure is objected to because reference character “122” has been used to designate downward sloping ramp and extremity resting surface. The disclosure is objected to because reference character “146” has been used to designate edge and lower edge. The specification is objected to as failing to provide proper antecedent basis for the claimed subject matter. See 37 CFR 1.75(d)(1) and MPEP § 608.01(o). Correction of the following is required: first edge, second edge, first platform, intermediate platform, bottom trough. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a): (a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention. The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112: The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Claims 1-8 and 14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. The limitation of claim 1 that “the extremity resting surface transitions to a first platform of the series of troughs” fails to comply with the written description requirement. The original disclosure provides “a generally downward sloping ramp 122 forming an extremity resting surface” and that “the forward portion of extremity resting surface 122 transitions to first and second side platforms 130, 132 through sloping surfaces 129, 131”. The extremity resting surface does not transition itself to a first platform of the series of troughs as claimed, but rather transitions through sloping surfaces. The limitation of claim 1 that “the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface transition to an intermediate platform” fails to comply with the written description requirement. The original discloses provides that “[p]latforms 130, 132 may, in turn, transition to an annular intermediate trough 134 through sloping side surfaces 138, 140”. The first platform does not transition itself to an intermediate platform of the series of troughs as claimed, but rather transitions through sloping surfaces. The limitation of claims 2 and 14 of “transition between … the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface … comprises a sloped surface” fails to comply with the written description requirement. From the original disclosure “edge 146 of extremity resting surface 122 smoothly transitions to annular intermediate trough 134”. There is no transition in the form of a sloped surface between the second edge of the extremity resting surface and the first platform. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claim 2 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. The limitation of claim 2 that “at least one transition between the extremity resting surface and the first platform, the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface, or the intermediate platform and the bottom trough comprises a sloped surface” while claim 1, from which claim 2 depends requires that “the extremity resting surface transitions to a first platform of the series of troughs, the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface transition to an intermediate platform of the series of troughs” is led to be indefinite. It is unclear if the at least one transition comprising a sloped surface is in addition to the transitioning or if the claim requires both at least one transition comprising a sloped surface and the transitioning. Said another way does the extremity resting surface both transition to the first platform and have a transition comprising a sloped surface between the extremity resting surface and the first platform? Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-3, 6, 9, 12-15, 17, and 19-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Holloway (US 5381562). Claim 1: Holloway discloses a basin 10 (article) for irrigating extremities, comprising: a bottom 14 comprising an adapter 82 (suction port) and a sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (series of troughs); a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom 14 to define a basin and an open top, wherein at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defines a notch 38 (entry channel) configured to receive an extremity; and an extremity resting surface extending from the notch 38 (entry channel) and into the basin, the extremity resting surface having a first edge opposite a second edge, such that the extremity resting surface slopes downward from the first edge to the second edge, wherein: the extremity resting surface transitions to a first platform of the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (series of troughs), the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface transition to an intermediate platform of the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (series of troughs) in as much as the claimed invention does, the intermediate platform transition to a sump 44 (bottom trough) of the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (series of troughs), and the sump 44 (bottom trough) is configured to transport one or both of: materials or fluids to the adapter 82 (suction port) (see annotated fig. 1-3 and 5 below). PNG media_image1.png 500 560 media_image1.png Greyscale PNG media_image2.png 569 516 media_image2.png Greyscale PNG media_image3.png 252 412 media_image3.png Greyscale PNG media_image4.png 337 480 media_image4.png Greyscale Claim 2: Holloway discloses wherein the transition between the intermediate platform and the sump 44 (bottom trough) comprises a sloped surface in relation to at least the intermediate platform (see annotated fig. 1 above and fig. 5). Claim 3: Holloway discloses wherein adjacent sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls are joined by a curved section (see annotated fig. 2 above). Claim 6: Holloway discloses wherein an outer surface of the bottom 14, underneath the first platform, defines a groove configured to engage with an edged platform and enable drainage of fluids in a downhill manner into the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (series of troughs) (see annotated fig. 2 above). Claim 9: Holloway discloses a basin 10 (article) for irrigating extremities, comprising: a bottom 14 fluidly connected to an adapter 82 (suction port); a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom 14 to define a basin and an open top, wherein at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defines a notch 38 (entry channel) configured to receive an extremity; an extremity resting surface extending from the notch 38 (entry channel) and into the basin, the extremity resting surface having a first edge opposite a second edge, wherein the extremity resting surface slopes downward from the first edge to the second edge; and a sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) within the bottom 14, wherein the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) have a plurality of levels and a plurality of sloping surfaces such that fluids are configured to flow off the extremity resting surface to the adapter 82 (suction port) (see annotated fig. 1-3 and 5 above). Claim 12: Holloway discloses wherein the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) surround the extremity resting surface (see annotated fig. 5 above). Claim 13: Holloway discloses wherein the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) comprises a first platform, an intermediate platform, and a sump 44 (bottom trough) configured to transport one or both of: materials or fluids to the adapter 82 (suction port) (see annotated fig. 1 above). Claim 14: Holloway discloses wherein the transition between the intermediate platform and the sump 44 (bottom trough) comprises a sloped surface in relation to at least the intermediate platform (see annotated fig. 1 above and fig. 5). Claim 15: Holloway discloses wherein an outer surface of the bottom 14, underneath the first platform, defines a groove configured to engage with an edged platform and enable drainage of fluids in a downhill manner into the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) (see annotated fig. 3 above). Claim 17: Holloway discloses wherein adjacent sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls are joined by a curved section (see annotated fig. 2 above). Claim 19: Holloway discloses a basin 10 (article) for irrigating extremities, comprising: a bottom 14; a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom 14 to define a basin and an open top, wherein at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defines a notch 38 (entry channel) configured to receive an extremity; an extremity resting surface extending from the notch 38 (entry channel) and into the basin, the extremity resting surface having a first edge opposite a second edge, wherein the extremity resting surface slopes downward from the first edge to the second edge; and a sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) within the bottom 14, wherein the sump 44, channel 40, and top surface 22 (plurality of troughs) have a plurality of levels and a plurality of sloping surfaces such that fluids are configured to flow off the extremity resting surface to the bottom (see annotated fig. 1-3 and 5 above). Claim 20: Holloway discloses an adapter 82 (suction port) fluidly connected to the basin, wherein the plurality of troughs comprises a first platform, an intermediate platform, and a sump 44 (bottom trough) configured to transport one or both of: materials or fluids to the adapter 82 (suction port) (see annotated fig. 1 above and 5). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention. Claim(s) 5, 8, 10-11, and 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Holloway (US 5381562) further in view of Tapadiya (US 20040225265). Claim 5: Holloway does not disclose wherein the bottom trough is fluidly connected to the suction port through a passageway through a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls. Tapadiya teaches a basin 10 for irrigation of a wound having a base 11 and wall 12 defining a cavity 13, the basin 10 further having a unitarily formed convertible portion 19 along the periphery of the basin 10 or on the base 11 where the convertible portion 19 defines a channel 19b extending therethrough (see P. 0106 and fig. 2E). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have to have modified the drainage system 80 to have replaced the adapter 82, washer ring 84, and nut 86 with a threaded portion 82a unitarily formed with panel 72 akin to the formation of the unitarily formed convertible portion 19, as taught by Tapadiya, in order to reduce assembly steps and associated costs. The combination results in the sump 44 (bottom trough) being fluidly connected to the threaded portion 82a (suction port) through a passageway through a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls which extends through panel 72. Claim 8: Holloway discloses a hose 46 configured to be fluidly connected to the adapter 82 (suction port) (see fig. 6). Holloway does not disclose a suction canister configured to be fluidly connected to the hose. Tapadiya teaches a suction source 10 (suction canister) connected to a first end of a suction hose 112 whose second end 114 is connected to a fluid and debris collection device 116 (fig. 14). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have provided a suction source 10 (suction canister) configured to be fluidly connected to the hose 46, as taught by Tapadiya, in order to more quickly drain the basin. Claim 10: Holloway does not disclose wherein the bottom is fluidly connected to the suction port through a passageway, such that the fluids are configured to flow off of the extremity resting surface through the passageway to the suction port. Tapadiya teaches a basin 10 for irrigation of a wound having a base 11 and wall 12 defining a cavity 13, the basin 10 further having a unitarily formed convertible portion 19 along the periphery of the basin 10 or on the base 11 where the convertible portion 19 defines a channel 19b extending therethrough (see P. 0106 and fig. 2E). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have to have modified the drainage system 80 to have replaced the adapter 82, washer ring 84, and nut 86 with a threaded portion 82a unitarily formed with panel 72 akin to the formation of the unitarily formed convertible portion 19, as taught by Tapadiya, in order to reduce assembly steps and associated costs. The combination results in the bottom 14 being fluidly connected to the threaded portion 82a (suction port) through a passageway through a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls which extends through panel 72, such that the fluids are configured to flow off of the extremity resting surface through the passageway to the threaded portion 82a (suction port). Claim 11: Holloway does not disclose the suction port is separated from the bottom by an upwardly extending sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls. Tapadiya teaches a basin 10 for irrigation of a wound having a base 11 and wall 12 defining a cavity 13, the basin 10 further having a unitarily formed convertible portion 19 along the periphery of the basin 10 or on the base 11 where the convertible portion 19 defines a channel 19b extending therethrough (see P. 0106 and fig. 2E). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have to have modified the drainage system 80 to have replaced the adapter 82, washer ring 84, and nut 86 with a threaded portion 82a unitarily formed with panel 72 akin to the formation of the unitarily formed convertible portion 19, as taught by Tapadiya, in order to reduce assembly steps and associated costs. The combination results in the threaded portion 82a (suction port) being separated from the bottom 14 by an upwardly extending sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls at panel 72. Claim 18: See claim 8 above. Claim(s) 9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jones (US 6398062) further in view of Holloway (US 5381562) Claim 9: Jones discloses a basin 10 (article) for irrigating extremities, comprising: a bottom having a trough 14; a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom to define a basin and an open top, wherein at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defines an entry channel configured to receive an extremity; and an extremity resting surface extending from the entry channel and into the basin, the extremity resting surface having a first edge opposite a second edge, wherein the extremity resting surface slopes downward from the first edge to the second edge (see annotated fig. 1 below). Jones does not disclose bottom fluidly connected to a suction port or a plurality of troughs within the bottom, wherein the plurality of troughs have a plurality of levels and a plurality of sloping surfaces such that fluids are configured to flow off the extremity resting surface to the suction port. Holloway teaches a basin 10 having a bottom 14 with a channel 40 and sump 44 (bottom trough) located opposite a seat 36 and configured to transport fluid to a drainage system 80 (suction port) located in the inner sidewall portion 28 (see fig. 1 and 6). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the basin 10 (article) to have a sump 44 in the annotated bottom located oppositely from the entry channel and to have provided a drainage system 80 (suction port) in the sidewall located oppositely from the entry channel and in communication with the sump 44, as taught by Holloway, in order to permit drainage of fluids from the basin 10 (article). The combination discloses the bottom fluidly connected to a drainage system 80 (suction port) and a trough 14 and sump 44 (plurality of troughs), within the bottom, wherein the trough 14 and sump 44 (plurality of troughs) have a bottom 16 and bottom of sump 44 (plurality of levels) and an inner wall 22 and side of sump 44 (plurality of sloping surfaces) such that fluids are configured to flow off the extremity resting surface to the drainage system 80 (suction port). PNG media_image5.png 568 714 media_image5.png Greyscale Claim(s) 1, 6, 13, and 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jones (US 6398062) further in view of Holloway (US 5381562) and Dominguez (US 20110225726). Claim 1: Jones discloses a basin 10 (article) for irrigating extremities, comprising: a bottom having a bottom 16; a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom to define a basin and an open top, wherein at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defines an entry channel configured to receive an extremity; and an extremity resting surface extending from the entry channel and into the basin, the extremity resting surface having a first edge opposite a second edge, such that the extremity resting surface slopes downward from the first edge to the second edge (see annotated fig. 1 above). Jones does not disclose the bottom comprising a suction port and a series of troughs, the extremity resting surface transitions to a first platform of the series of troughs, the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface transition to an intermediate platform of the series of troughs, the intermediate platform transition to a bottom trough of the series of troughs, and the bottom trough is configured to transport one or both of: materials or fluids to the suction port. Holloway teaches a basin 10 having a bottom 14 with a channel 40 and sump 44 (bottom trough) located opposite a seat 36 and configured to transport fluid to a drainage system 80 (suction port) located in the inner sidewall portion 28 (see fig. 1 and 6). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the basin 10 (article) to have a sump 44 (bottom trough) in the annotated bottom located oppositely from the entry channel and to have provided a drainage system 80 (suction port) in the sidewall located oppositely from the entry channel and in communication with the sump 44 (bottom trough), as taught by Holloway, in order to permit drainage of fluids from the basin 10 (article). Dominguez teaches a basin 10 having an end wall 22 with a first appendage contour 42 and a bottom 32 with a first platform including baffles 34 transitioning to an intermediate platform, in as much as the claimed invention does (see annotated fig. 1 below and fig. 10). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the annotated bottom to have the first platform including baffles 34, as taught by Dominguez, in order to slow the flow of fluids and aid in allowing items to precipitate out from the flowing fluids. The combination discloses the bottom comprising a drainage system 80 (suction port) and a series of troughs, the extremity resting surface transitions to a first platform [see annotated fig. 1 ‘726 below] of the series of troughs, the first platform and the second edge of the extremity resting surface transition to the bottom 16 (intermediate platform) of the series of troughs, the bottom 16 (intermediate platform) transition to a sump 44 (bottom trough) of the series of troughs, and the sump 44 (bottom trough) is configured to transport one or both of: materials or fluids to the drainage system 80 (suction port). PNG media_image6.png 449 522 media_image6.png Greyscale Claim 6: The combination discloses wherein an outer surface of the bottom, underneath the first platform, defines a groove configured to engage with some edged platform and enable drainage of fluids in a downhill manner into the series of troughs (see annotated fig. 10 ‘726 below). PNG media_image7.png 344 734 media_image7.png Greyscale Claim 13: The combination discloses wherein the trough 14 and sump 44 (bottom trough) (plurality of troughs) comprises a bottom 16 (intermediate platform), and sump 44 (bottom trough) configured to transport one or both of: materials or fluids to the drainage system 80 (suction port). The combination does not disclose a first platform. Dominguez teaches a basin 10 having an end wall 22 with a first appendage contour 42 and a bottom 32 with a first platform including baffles 34 transitioning to an intermediate platform, in as much as the claimed invention does (see annotated fig. 1 below and fig. 10). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the annotated bottom to have the first platform including baffles 34, as taught by Dominguez, in order to slow the flow of fluids and aid in allowing items to precipitate out from the flowing fluids. Claim 15: See claim 6 above. Claim(s) 7 and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jones (US 6398062), Holloway (US 5381562), and Dominguez (US 20110225726) further in view of Gathers (US 20160213562). Claim 7: The combination discloses the claimed invention except wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the bottom has a textured surface. Gathers teaches a basin assembly 300 having a tub portion 301 with a substantially flat base 302 with protruding waveform shapes 302TP to provide an anti-slip feature (see P. 0085 and fig. 29). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the outer surface of the bottom to include the protruding waveform shapes 302TP resulting in it being textured to enhance frictional gripping, as taught by Gathers, in order to help prevent the article from shifting during use. Claim 16: See claim 7 above. Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jones (US 6398062), Holloway (US 5381562), and Dominguez (US 20110225726) further in view of Stephens (US 20190175432). Claim 4: The combination discloses the claimed invention except for at least a portion of a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls defining a semi-circular sidewall surrounding the suction port. Stephens teaches a limb irrigation pan device 10 having a nozzle 52 that extends through an end panel 14, wherein the end panel 14 has a drain slot 56 defining a semi-circular sidewall surrounding the nozzle 52 (see fig. 1). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the sidewall to have a drain slot 56 defining a semi-circular sidewall surrounding the drainage system 80 (suction port), as taught by Stephens, in order to provide some protection from impacts around the now recessed drainage system 80 (suction port). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. US 20150328393 and US 20120222210 are considered pertinent to semi-circular sidewalls surrounding suction ports. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALLAN D STEVENS whose telephone number is (571)270-7798. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 12-8 ET. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Orlando E. Aviles can be reached at (571)270-5531. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /ALLAN D STEVENS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3736
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Nov 13, 2024
Application Filed
Dec 19, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112
Mar 31, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Mar 31, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12593906
CAPS FOR COSMETIC IMPLEMENTS
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12589934
IMPACT CUSHIONING RIB STRUCTURE, MOLDED-PULP CUSHIONING MATERIAL, PACKAGING MATERIAL, AND PACKAGING SYSTEM
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 31, 2026
Patent 12577030
TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED PRODUCT SHIPPER
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 17, 2026
Patent 12528634
Protective Transport Case for Video Monitors
2y 5m to grant Granted Jan 20, 2026
Patent 12515868
PACKAGING ASSEMBLY FOR AN APPLIANCE
2y 5m to grant Granted Jan 06, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
41%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+50.2%)
3y 0m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 621 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month